About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Modeling, AI Applications, and Method Development in Nuclear Materials
|
| Presentation Title |
Analysis of Helium Induced Swelling and Temperature Dependence in Nuclear Reactor Stainless Steel Using Rate Theory |
| Author(s) |
Yeongju Kwon, Kunok Chang |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Yeongju Kwon |
| Abstract Scope |
Stainless steels are widely used in nuclear fission reactors due to their high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance. However, neutron irradiation can generate helium through transmutation reactions, leading to irradiation-induced swelling and microstructural degradation. In this study, a rate theory-based model is developed to analyze helium-induced swelling in stainless steel under reactor-relevant conditions. The model considers defect generation, diffusion, recombination, and helium–vacancy cluster evolution, with particular focus on the temperature dependence of defect kinetics and helium accumulation. The results show that swelling is strongly influenced by temperature, which affects defect mobility and cluster stability. Maximum swelling occurs in an intermediate temperature range where helium accumulation and vacancy clustering are enhanced. This model provides a framework for understanding irradiation-induced swelling and evaluating long-term material performance in reactor environments. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Iron and Steel, Nuclear Materials, Modeling and Simulation |